About this project

We are completing the replica of the legendary Britannia, and we need your help!

The design and engineering of Britannia, a replica of one of the most famous racing yachts at the turn of the century has now opened it's doors to public funding on Kickstarter so that her refit can be completed and so that she may sail once again!

K1 Britannia Ltd is the company behind the Britannia project. K1 Britannia will oversee the refit of the Britannia replica until completion after which the vessel will be gifted to Charity and a whole range of maritime activities and projects for the public.

The money raised will go to Britannia's interior design, engineering and creation. The K1 Britannia Directors and those who put this Kickstarter project together are working Pro Bono on the project, and will receive no money from this Kickstarter campaign. Our hearts are on seeing Britannia finished and maximized for charity, so come on board and help us reclaim her legacy by making a pledge today.

What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others. Thousands of creative projects are being funded on Kickstarter at any given moment. Each project is independently created and crafted by the person behind it. Every project creator sets their project's funding goal and deadline. If people like the project, they can pledge money to make it happen and receive a reward in return for their pledge.

If the project succeeds in reaching its funding goal, all backers' credit cards are charged when the time expires. If the project falls short of the funding goal, no one is charged, funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing. So browse our Kickstarter project, learn Britannia's story, so that together we may bring the legacy of this incredible vessel to life again!

Britannia's Story

His Majesty King George V was a sailing and racing enthusiast. His beloved racing yacht "Britannia" was built in 1893 for Queen Victoria's son Prince Albert Edward. She served both King Albert Edward and his son King George V with a legendary racing career.

Britannia set the standard for yacht design and yachting writers referred to her shape as the "Britannia ideal". She was a handsome vessel; Henderson’s built her light and strong, "the perfect race yacht."

In 1920 King George V triggered the revival of Big Class Yachts by announcing that Britannia would be refit for racing. Although Britannia was the oldest yacht in the circuit, regular updates to her rig kept her a most successful racer throughout the 1920s. In 1931 she was converted to the J-Class with a Bermuda rig. During her 40 year racing career she won 231 races and took another 129 flags.

King George V's dying wish was for his beloved yacht to follow him to the grave. So upon his death in 1936, in honor of the late Kings wishes, Britannia was towed out to St. Catherine’s Deep near the Isle of Wight and sent to rest beneath the waves, with a simple garland of flowers placed on her stem-head.

Bringing Britannia "Back to Life

In 1994 an ambitious project to build a replica of Britannia gained Her Majesty the Queen's blessing. Britannia's hull was commissioned and built however the project was never completed and Britannia sat unfinished for nearly 8 years.

In late 2011 her hull was acquired to be used for maritime education, charity fundraisers, and a whole range of activities and causes. K1 Britannia was born with the goal to complete the rebuild of the vessel to the same standard and specification of the original and to reclaim the history of this iconic vessel.

Britannia's hull was towed from Norway to the Isle of Wight in February 2012 where she was lifted and placed in her cradle so that the designing, engineering, and refitting work could commence.

"Who's doing the design?"

Studio Faggioni has been in operation since 1966, run by two generations of ship builders, naval architects and yacht restorers. Over the years the studio has taken part in the restorations of some of the most beautiful vessels in the world, such as Marlin, the famous 1930 commuter yacht commissioned by Henry Ford, belonging to J.F. Kennedy, Charles Nicholsons Candida, Black Swan, and Patience, Big Class Gaff Cutter Lulworth and 1910 gaff schooner Orion.

Stefano Faggioni, Britannia's chief architect and designer has now taken on this extraordinary task, to design the deck plan, sail plan, interiors, and each item that will be on board Britannia. The items will be designed according to her 1931 standard and specification. The deadline to have the full blueprint of the interior completed is May 2013. From then, each item will be crafted and installed on board, bringing Britannia to life!

Preparing for the Refit

Britannia is currently in her cradle preparing for a refit at the Venture Quays shipyard in the Isle of Wight. Upon her completion, in 15 months time, she will measure 52 metres in length and her mast, at 55 metres, will be the tallest wooden mast in the world.

Our design and engineering team are making history, working to bring to life what would have been on board Britannia when the King sailed her during her legendary yachting and racing career. We are raising funds for Britannia's interior design and engineering to recreate every item that would have been on board Britannia at the turn of the century.

By pledging to the project sailing enthusiasts, individuals and organisations from around the world have a short window of opportunity to be able to own a special piece of Britannia crafted by our team of specialists.

Over the next 60 days every pledge to the project will be acknowledged with a wonderful and unique gift; a choice of a reward to match your pledge.

The Britannia refit team will bring to life a limited quantity of incredible replicas of the crew and officers clothing worn on the original Britannia. There are oil paintings and design prints from world renowned marine artists, hand signed and finished litho prints of the Britannia's deck plan, sail plan, and interiors. Everything is custom made and for some items, the quantities are limited.

The offerings at the higher end include experiences aboard the finished Britannia such as sailing days during her first regattas where she will race for charity in Cannes, St Tropez, the UK and the Caribbean. At another level you have the chance to dine aboard Britannia with the Captain and Officers of Britannia once the refit has been completed.

"Why do we need your help?"

The spirit of this project is all about "Gifting Britannia to the People". The money raised will go to Britannia's interior design, engineering and creation. The K1 Britannia Directors and those who put this Kickstarter project together will receive no money from this Kickstarter campaign. Our hearts are on seeing her finished and maximized for charity, and without your help the design and engineering of Britannia's interior won't be completed to the standard and specification that made her one of the most incredible and admired vessels in the world.

In order to complete the interior special materials will need to be acquired. A full laser scan of the interior and exterior of the hull must be rendered and skilled craftsman must dedicate many hours of their time designing and creating each individual piece on board. This all costs time and money. By helping to fund the interior design and engineering of Britannia you have the chance to partake of the spirit this special project offers and take a wonderful reward home with you.

Make your pledge, claim your rewards, and make history with us!

Whether you sail, own a vessel, or have never set to sea before, we believe that the items crafted for Britannia by our team of specialists will be treasured and cherished by many. By giving to the project you in turn will receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to forever have a part of this legendary maritime treasure in your life.

This Kickstarter will run for 60 days and the clock is ticking. Many of the rewards will be produced in limited numbers and will be claimed fast!

About the "Kickstarter Specials"

Images of the rewards are prototypes, click on them and join the discussion if you have any thoughts or suggestions for our designers. We'd love to get your feedback.

When we're ready to ship we'll send you a final photo of the reward by email and request your size and color for the clothing.

The poster will be A3 size on thick matte paper. The optional frame will be chosen to complement with the print.

About "Britannia Crew" Items:

Feel free to click on any reward and join the discussion, our designers are happy to hear what you have to say, especially if you have reference material or information from the original period.

The style will be modeled after the original 1930's period but will be adjusted for usability, our designers will adjust the style to be fashionable and wearable in today's period.

Materials used for clothing at the turn of the century were not as comfortable as today's materials, we will use only high quality materials for comfort and durability, and materials with a proven track record at sea.

We will request your size and color variation by email and send you updates on the design progress for the item you've requested.

About the Prints, Lithos, Designs & Oil Paintings:

The images above may be adjusted for style before being sent.

If you need a custom size please contact us and we'll do our best to accomodate your request but can't guarantee.

The canvas print of Britannia at Sea by Steve Renard will be a copy of the Oil Painting which Steve Renard will paint for Britannia's main saloon. The image displayed above is just a sample.

About the "Britannia Experiences"

We'll send you the invitations and projected dates for the experience packages as well as documentation on Britannia's itinerary and schedule.

We'll do our best to work with you to coordinate your on-board dates based on Britannia's schedule, but we cannot guarantee your chosen dates.

If you would like to organize onboard experiences for larger groups please get in touch.

All experience packages will be subject to terms and conditions.

If you would like to alter the packages get in touch with us and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Thank you for being part of Britannia's history!

Risks and challenges

The greatest challenge we face in re-creating the designs for each item on board a historical yacht like the Britannia, is identifying the correct historical archives and references. The floor boards, panelling, door handles, knobs, chairs, tables, lamps, cutlery, china, carpets, even the light switches need to be custom designed and crafted from a reference.

Stefano Faggioni, our chief architect and designer has taken part in the design, engineerings and restoration of over 40 classic vessels and we are confident that although there will be challenges in this regard, our team of specialists will meet each challenge with exceptional results and Britannia's interior will be recreated to the highest standard and specification.

Giuseppe Longo, Britannia's project manager was at the helm of several of the most extensive classic yacht restoration projects, including the restoration of the Lulworth, one of Britannia's contemporaries and will oversee the restoration to completion.

FAQ

There is an estimated shipping date listed below each reward on the right side of this page. If our Kickstarter project reaches it's funding goal your card will be charged and you'll receive your reward on the estimated shipping date. If not successfully funded, your card will not be charged and you won't receive your reward. Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing funding platform. So please spread the word and help us reach our goal!

The money raised will go to Britannia's interior design, engineering and creation. The K1 Britannia Directors and those who put this Kickstarter project together are working Pro Bono on the project, and will receive no money from this Kickstarter campaign, our hearts on the matter is to see her finished and maximized for charity.

K1 Britannia Ltd is the company behind the Britannia project. K1 Britannia will oversee the rebuild until completion after which the vessel will be gifted to charity and a whole range of maritime activities and projects for the public.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £30 or more
About $48

The K1 Britannia Shirt, navy blue, choose short or long sleeve. Sports a worn look K1 union jack flag on the front, the K1 logo on the sleeve and Britannia emblem on the back. 100% cotton made in italy. All sizes S to XXL.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £150 or more
About $242

The Britannia Bed Set, 100% cotton with a beautiful print of Britannia's logo on the pillow cases and the history of Britannia written out on the full length of the duvette cover. Available in Queen or King size.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £200 or more
About $323

Choose a signed litho print of either the Kings Cabin, Ladies Room, Saloon, Chart Area, or Deck Plan. Each will be signed and numbered by Stefano Faggioni. Add £180 for a beautiful frame crafted from the teak chosen for Britannia's rebuild.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £250 or more
About $404

Lithograph print 1 meter in height of the Britannia Sail Plan and General Arrangement. Signed and numbered by Stefano Faggioni. A great centerpiece for any room. Add £180 for a beautiful frame crafted from the teak chosen for Britannia's rebuild.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £1,000 or more
About $1,616

Choose a 1.2 meter hand finished and detailed litho of your choice. These will each be Roman Numeral numbered, dry stamped and signed by Stefano Faggioni. Choose from the Sail Plan, Kings Cabin, Ladies Room, Saloon, Chart Area, or Deck Plan. Only a limited run of 50 for each peice will be produced. Likely to become well sought after collector pieces. Add £200 for a beautiful frame crafted from the teak chosen for Britannia's rebuild. Includes a Britannia shirt and Cap.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £1,000 or more
About $1,616

Set of 3 Hand made Britannia rigging blocks: 6 inch mounted with a bronze plated penny, 12 inch and mounted with a silver plated penny, 18 inch mounted with a gold plated penny from the 1930s made of larch wood with bronze fittings.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £1,000 or more
About $1,616

BRITANNIA EXPERIENCE: Invitation for two to dine aboard Britannia with Britannia’s Captain and officers during her first year at sea, either in the UK, Med, Carribean or the Americas. Lunch on board Britannia. Pickup to Britannia on the beautiful Britannia tender. Invitations to selected wine tasting and cocktail events based on your location and availability during Britannia’s first year at sea.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £1,500 or more
About $2,425

VIP LAUNCH PARTY SPECIAL: 2 VIP Invitations to the Britannia launch party, pickup from Southampton straight to Britannia on the beautiful Britannia tender, lunch and a wonderful dinner with the Britannia team, staff and crew and a personal tour of Britannia. Invitations to selected cocktails and events on board Britannia based on your location and availability. An invitation to the soon to be held "Fitting of the Mast" ceremony. A personal call to welcome you to the Britannia team. Includes 2 K1 Britannia shirts and 2 caps.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £2,000 or more
About $3,233

Any 1.2 meter hand shadowed and finished framed litho of your choice with a personal thank you inscribed in gold, naming you as a contributor to the Britannia rebuild, signed by the K1 Britannia director and rebuild project manager. Choose from and of the available lithos. Each will be hand shadowed and finished by Stefano Faggioni, Britannia's chief architect and designer. We will include a the frame fashioned from the wood chosen for Britannia's rebuild, designed by Stefano Faggioni. Includes 2 shirts and 2 caps.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £5,000 or more
About $8,082

THE YACHT CLUB SPECIAL: Your Yacht Club listed on the K1 Britannia website as a sponsor of Britannia. A 1.5 meter hand shadowed and finished litho of Britannia's sail plan and general arrangement naming your Yacht Club for being a part of Britannia's historic rebuild, signed by the K1 Britannia Director and the Britannia Project Manager. Titles and descriptions all gold printed, the litho will be roman numeral numbered and dry stamped. Invitations to the Britannia launch party for all members of your Yacht Club who may be able to attend. Also included is a replica of the bronze Britannia Boom Cap on a teak plinth, and a replica of the Britannia Life Ring.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £5,000 or more
About $8,082

Oil Painting of Britannia at Sea by world renowned marine artist Stephen Renard. Only 6 of these special 18 x 24 themed paintings will be commissioned. Includes a beautiful frame crafted from the wood chosen for the Britannia rebuild.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £5,000 or more
About $8,082

UK REGATTA PACKAGE: Invitation for 2 as guests on board Britannia during her first racing regatta days during Cowes Week, around the Island Race, or other major UK regatta's. Lunch for 2 on board Britannia with the Captain and crew. Service to and from Britannia on the beautiful Britannia Tender. Invitations to selected cocktails and events on board Britannia based on your location and availability during Britannia’s first year at sea. Invitation for 2 to the Britannia launch party. A personal call to welcome you to the Britannia team. Includes 2 Britannia crew shirts and 2 crew sun hats.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £5,000 or more
About $8,082

ONBOARD BRITANNIA IN THE MED: Invitation for 2 as guests on board Britannia during her first regatta racing days in St Tropez, Monaco or Cannes. Lunch for 2 on board Britannia with the Captain and crew. Service to and from Britannia on the beautiful Britannia Tender. Invitations to selected cocktails and events on board Britannia based on your location and availability during Britannia’s first year at sea. An invitation for 2 to the Britannia launch party. A personal call to welcome you to the Britannia team. EXTRA'S: 2 Britannia crew shirts and 2 crew sun hats.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge £5,000 or more
About $8,082

CARIBBEAN / AMERICA'S REGATTA PACKAGE: Invitation for 2 as guests on board Britannia during her first regatta racing days in the carribean (such as the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta or St Barts Bucket. Lunch for 2 on board Britannia with the Captain and Crew. Service to and from Britannia on the beautiful Britannia Tender. Invitations to selected cocktails and events on board Britannia based on your location and availability during Britannia’s first year at sea. An invitation for 2 to the Britannia launch party. A personal call to welcome you to the Britannia team. EXTRAS: 2 Britannia crew shirts and 2 crew sun hats.